Curiosity Weekly

Rhianna-lily Smith, a researcher focused on sleepwalking brain activity, and Jacinthe Cataldi, a co-author on EEG correlates in non-REM sleep, discuss fascinating insights. They reveal surprising brain function during sleepwalking and its safety implications. They also explore how video games improve real-world navigation skills, which is linked to less reliance on GPS. Finally, they delve into endurance hunting in early humans, showcasing its evolutionary advantages and cultural significance.

Ivan Kasamba, a researcher known for his longitudinal study on HIV treatment in rural Uganda, discusses groundbreaking advancements in HIV vaccine development. He highlights promising clinical trials that have sparked hope amid challenges. The conversation then shifts to engineers redefining carbon dioxide's role, creating useful products through innovative methods. Lastly, they explore transformative sound control fabrics made from silk and cotton, potentially turning clothing into noise-canceling technology, revolutionizing personal audio experiences.

In this engaging discussion, Johanne S. K. Nedergaard, an author studying anendophasia, and Gary Lupyan, a researcher focusing on inner voices, explore fascinating insights into the human mind. They reveal how individuals without an inner voice struggle with verbal memory. The conversation also highlights yoga's potential to clear cognitive fog in cancer survivors. Dive into the intriguing findings about hormonal influences on promiscuity in mice, comparing behaviors that shape their social structures and parenting.

Ben Coxworth, an innovative researcher, discusses a groundbreaking ingestible gel that prevents alcohol from making you drunk while protecting the liver. Jiaqi Su, who co-authored a study on these smart hydrogels, adds insights into their composition and function. The conversation also dives into ancient viruses from Yellowstone's hot springs, hinting at their relevance for extraterrestrial studies. Additionally, discover how tiger beetles use ultrasonic mimicry to confuse bats, showcasing nature's fascinating survival strategies.

Fabio Bergamin, a pioneer in blood diagnostic methods, discusses a revolutionary technique for blood sampling inspired by leeches that reduces anxiety around needles. Kimberly Alsbrooks and Klaus Hoerauf share insights into needle phobia's impact on healthcare access. The conversation also highlights blue-green algae's potential for carbon capture, which could address climate problems. Lastly, they delve into new research uncovering how chronic asthma may be linked to cell overcrowding in the airways, potentially leading to innovative treatments.

Learn about a groundbreaking hair loss treatment for autoimmune skin disease, how aphantasia affects brain responses and motor skills, and a gadget that makes cold brew coffee in minutes using ultrasound technology.

The podcast explores the possible link between asthma, ADHD, and income in children, the complexity of whale communication, and the discovery of hidden lithium under Pennsylvania. It discusses how family income affects the development of asthma and ADHD symptoms in children, the rising demand for lithium, and the geological formation of lithium deposits in the Marcellus Shale.

Discover how brainstem neurons control inflammation levels, centipede venom offers kidney disease treatment leads, and the ethical concerns of AI chatbots simulating deceased loved ones in the digital afterlife industry.

Today, you’ll learn about how sleep isn’t the brain detoxifier we thought it was, a new glass made out of bamboo, and the connection between leprosy and red squirrels in medieval England.   Sleeping Brain  “Sleep does not help brain wash out toxins, study suggests.” by Hannah Devlin. 2024.  “The sleep-deprived human brain.” by Adam J. Krause, et al. 2017.  “Brain clearance is reduced during sleep and anesthesia.” by Andawei Miao, et al. 2024.   Bamboo Glass  “A Novel Flame-Retardant, Smoke-Suppressing, and Superhydrophobic Transparent Bamboo.” by Jiahui Su, et al. 2024.  “Glass Transmittance.” Linshang Technology. 2020.  “Is Bamboo Sustainable? All You Need to Know About Eco-Friendly Bamboo.” by Raf Chomsky. 2023.   Leprosy & Squirrels  “In medieval England, leprosy spread between red squirrels and people, genome evidence shows.” EurekAlert! 2024.  “Ancient Mycobacterium leprae genome reveals medieval English red squirrels as animal leprosy host.” by Christian Urban, et al. 2024.   Follow Curiosity Daily on your favorite podcast app to get smarter with Calli and Nate — for free! Still curious? Get exclusive science shows, nature documentaries, and more real-life entertainment on discovery+! Go to https://discoveryplus.com/curiosity to start your 7-day free trial. discovery+ is currently only available for US subscribers.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Explore how reading fiction can boost cognitive skills according to research. Learn about the rare transmission of bird flu from cows to humans. Discover how beluga whales communicate by manipulating their squishy heads.